With the Boston Red Sox struggling to find consistency this season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them move on from several veterans.
The Aug. 3 trade deadline will have multiple teams keeping an eye out in Fenway Park, with star closer Aroldis Chapman one of the most obvious trade candidates.
Notably, the list of suitors might include the New York Yankees, his former team from 2016 to 2022.
However, if the Red Sox even consider engaging with their lifelong rivals to discuss a trade for Chapman, the Cuban star has one demand for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman: an apology.
Aroldis Chapman wants an apology from the Yankees
“What happened, happened,” Chapman said (h/t ESPN). “If something like this were to happen, I believe someone from this organization should apologize first.”
When asked whether that “someone” was Cashman, he confirmed.
The Yankees moved on from Chapman in 2022, and his tenure in the Bronx ended in infamy. His ERA skyrocketed to 4.46, and he suffered a left leg infection from a tattoo, which cost him his spot to Clay Holmes.
Aaron Boone left him off the playoff roster, with the team accusing him of insubordination after he took a trip to Miami. Chapman, on the other hand, insisted the team had given him permission to travel.
That said, this is a business first and foremost, and both parties might gladly bury the hatchet if it benefits both.
Chapman has turned back the clock this season, converting all 13 of his save opportunities with 26 strikeouts and a 0.46 ERA in 19.2 innings of work, per Baseball Reference.
He was a three-time All-Star and logged 146 saves in his six years in New York. And with a $13 million player option for next season, he should be looking to prove that he’s still one of the best closers in the game.